Planning a trip to Kyoto and wondering whether the Nintendo Kyoto store is worth adding to your itinerary?
If you love Super Mario, Splatoon, The Legend of Zelda, or Animal Crossing, Nintendo KYOTO is a fun stop in central Kyoto — even if you only have an hour to spare.
I visited the official Nintendo store on a weekday afternoon during my trip to Japan’s historic city of Kyoto.
The best part? There was no line to enter, and I explored the store, tried the Nintendo controller capsule toys, bought souvenirs, and visited the rooftop Mario photo spot in about 30–60 minutes.
In this guide, I’ll share my actual experience, photos, and practical tips for international visitors, including how to get there, whether you need a reservation, and how Nintendo KYOTO compares with the Nintendo Museum.
- Quick Guide: Nintendo Kyoto at a Glance
- What Is Nintendo KYOTO?
- How to Get to Nintendo Kyoto
- First Stop: The Giant Mario Statue on the Ground Floor
- Inside Nintendo Kyoto: A Paradise for Nintendo Fans
- Nintendo Controller Capsule Toys: I Got an N64 Analog Stick!
- What I Bought at Nintendo Kyoto
- Don’t Miss the Rooftop Mario Photo Spot
- How Crowded Is Nintendo Kyoto?
- How Much Time Do You Need at Nintendo Kyoto?
- Nintendo Kyoto vs. Nintendo Museum: Which Should You Visit?
- Is Nintendo Kyoto Worth Visiting?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts: A Fun Stop for Nintendo Fans Visiting Kyoto
Quick Guide: Nintendo Kyoto at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where is Nintendo Kyoto? | Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. [T8], 7th floor |
| Nearest station | Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station |
| Admission fee | Free |
| Opening hours | 10:30 AM–8:00 PM (check before visiting) |
| Reservation required? | Usually no; timed-entry tickets may be distributed on busy days |
| Recommended visit time | 30–60 minutes without significant queues |
| Best attractions | Giant Mario statue, Nintendo merchandise, capsule toys, rooftop Mario |
| My visiting time | Weekday afternoon |
| My waiting time | No wait to enter |
The visiting time and waiting times above are based on my October 2026 visit, not guaranteed conditions.
What Is Nintendo KYOTO?
Nintendo KYOTO is an official Nintendo store located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan.
It opened in October 2023 and sells a wide variety of Nintendo merchandise featuring beloved characters from games such as:
- Super Mario
- The Legend of Zelda
- Animal Crossing
- Splatoon
You can find character-themed merchandise, accessories, collectibles, and other Nintendo products.
But Nintendo KYOTO is more than just a place to shop.
There are also some fantastic photo opportunities, including a giant Mario statue on the first floor and a rooftop area inspired by the Super Mario games.
Since Nintendo was founded in Kyoto, visiting its official store is a particularly fitting activity for video game fans exploring the city.
And because the store is free to enter, it’s easy to add to your Kyoto sightseeing plans.
How to Get to Nintendo Kyoto
Nintendo KYOTO is located on the 7th floor of Kyoto Takashimaya Shopping Center’s T8 building.
Address:
35 Otabicho, Shijo-dori Teramachi Higashi-iru 2-chome, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
From Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station
The easiest option is to take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station.
The shopping center is directly connected to the station through the underground passage.
This makes it especially convenient during rainy weather or hot summer days.
From Gion-Shijo Station
If you’re traveling on the Keihan Line, get off at Gion-Shijo Station.
From there, it’s approximately a five-minute walk.
From Kyoto Station
You can take a Kyoto City Bus from the A2 bus stop at Kyoto Station to the Shijo-Kawaramachi area.
The official access guide lists an approximate journey time of 15 minutes, although actual travel times can be longer depending on traffic.
If you’re unfamiliar with Kyoto’s bus system, I recommend checking Google Maps before leaving.
Travel tip: Make sure your destination is the T8 building of Kyoto Takashimaya Shopping Center. Nintendo KYOTO is on the 7th floor.
First Stop: The Giant Mario Statue on the Ground Floor
One of my favorite surprises came before I even entered the store.
As I approached the building, I was greeted by a giant Mario statue emerging from a green pipe.
It’s an instantly recognizable scene for anyone who has played a Super Mario game.
Seeing Mario as a large, three-dimensional figure rather than on a television screen was surprisingly exciting.
I knew there would be Nintendo merchandise upstairs, but I hadn’t expected the experience to begin at the building entrance.
Don’t head straight to the elevators without checking out the giant Mario statue!
It’s one of the best photo opportunities at Nintendo KYOTO.
Inside Nintendo Kyoto: A Paradise for Nintendo Fans
Once I reached the 7th floor, I immediately felt surrounded by the world of Nintendo.
There were colorful displays and merchandise featuring characters from several famous franchises.
As someone who has played Super Mario and Splatoon, I was particularly excited to see familiar characters outside their games.
However, something unexpected happened.
Even Games I Hadn’t Played Looked Interesting
I haven’t spent much time playing The Legend of Zelda or Animal Crossing.
Normally, I wouldn’t go out of my way to look for merchandise from games I barely know.
But walking through Nintendo KYOTO made me curious.
Looking at the different characters and beautifully designed products, I found myself thinking:
“Maybe I should finally give Zelda a try.”
“Animal Crossing looks fun, too.”
For me, that’s one of the best things about visiting an official Nintendo store.
You don’t have to be a dedicated fan of every Nintendo franchise to enjoy it.
You might even discover a new game you want to play.
Can You Enjoy Nintendo Kyoto Without Buying Anything?
Absolutely.
Although Nintendo KYOTO is primarily a retail store, browsing the merchandise and enjoying the character displays can be entertaining on its own.
You can also visit the giant Mario statue and the rooftop photo spot.
Of course, you might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs — I certainly was!
But you don’t have to spend money to enjoy a short visit.
Nintendo Controller Capsule Toys: I Got an N64 Analog Stick!
One of the things I was most excited to try was the Nintendo controller capsule toy collection.
In Japan, these machines are commonly called gacha or gachapon.
You pay a fixed amount, turn the machine, and receive a random collectible from the available selection.
At Nintendo KYOTO, I tried the Controller Button Collection, featuring miniature versions of buttons and control parts from classic Nintendo controllers.
For longtime Nintendo fans, these collectibles are especially nostalgic.
My Prize: A Nintendo 64 3D Stick!
I turned the capsule toy machine and opened my prize.
And I got a Nintendo 64 analog stick — officially known as the 3D Stick!
The Nintendo 64 controller has one of the most distinctive designs in gaming history.
Its central analog stick was a memorable part of playing Nintendo 64 games, so seeing it recreated as a small collectible was a fun surprise.
I really liked the idea of transforming a piece of gaming hardware into a souvenir.
It’s a little different from buying a typical Mario plush or character keychain.
Was There a Long Line for the Gacha Machines?
Not during my visit.
I went on a weekday afternoon, and there was almost no waiting time for the capsule toy machines.
I was able to try one without any trouble.
However, this was just my experience. Weekends, holidays, and busy travel periods may be very different.
Also, capsule toy collections, prices, and availability may change.
If there’s a specific item you’re hoping to collect, don’t assume it will always be available.
What I Bought at Nintendo Kyoto
Besides the Nintendo 64 capsule toy, I also bought a Nintendo-themed handkerchief.
It features several familiar Nintendo characters together, including:
- Mario from Super Mario
- Link from The Legend of Zelda
- Isabelle and a villager from Animal Crossing
- An Inkling from Splatoon
I liked seeing characters from different Nintendo games together in one design.
It’s a simple souvenir, but also something practical that I can use after the trip.
One important detail: the handkerchief I purchased was not a Kyoto-exclusive item.
If you’re specifically searching for merchandise that can only be purchased at Nintendo KYOTO, check the product details before buying.
Personally, I didn’t mind that my handkerchief wasn’t exclusive. I was happy to bring home something that reminded me of my visit.
Don’t Miss the Rooftop Mario Photo Spot
This was another highlight of my visit.
After exploring the store on the 7th floor, I went up to the rooftop area.
There, I found Mario hanging from a goal pole, just like at the end of a classic Super Mario level!
If you’ve played Super Mario games, you’ll recognize the scene immediately.
It’s a simple idea, but seeing the familiar goal sequence recreated in real life made me smile.
The rooftop area also features decorative elements inspired by the Super Mario world.
It’s a fun place to take photos, especially if you’re traveling with other Nintendo fans.
My Recommended Photo Route
If you’re visiting Nintendo KYOTO for the first time, I’d recommend exploring the three main areas in this order:
- First floor: Take a picture with the giant Mario statue.
- Seventh floor: Browse Nintendo merchandise and try the capsule toys.
- Rooftop: Take a photo with Mario at the goal pole.
This way, you won’t miss the best photo spots.
One small piece of advice: Don’t leave immediately after shopping. The rooftop is worth a look!
How Crowded Is Nintendo Kyoto?
This is probably one of the biggest questions if you’re planning a visit.
I visited on a weekday afternoon in October 2026.
Here’s what I experienced:
| Activity | My experience |
|---|---|
| Entering the store | No waiting |
| Capsule toy machines | Almost no waiting |
| Shopping | Comfortable enough to browse |
| Total time spent | 30–60 minutes |
I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything went.
Before visiting, I had wondered whether the store would be crowded, especially because Nintendo is so popular with both Japanese and international visitors.
Luckily, I didn’t encounter any major queues.
Do You Need a Reservation for Nintendo Kyoto?
Under normal conditions, you do not need to book a reservation in advance to enter Nintendo KYOTO.
However, Nintendo may distribute numbered entry tickets on busy days, particularly weekends and public holidays.
According to Nintendo’s official visitor information, these tickets may be distributed at:
- Before opening: The first-floor T8 entrance, near the Mario statue
- After opening: In front of the store on the seventh floor
Entry procedures can change, so check the official Nintendo store website before your visit.
Important: My experience of entering without waiting does not mean the store will always be quiet on weekday afternoons.
How Much Time Do You Need at Nintendo Kyoto?
For most visitors planning a quick sightseeing stop, I would start by allowing approximately one hour, plus extra time if the store is crowded.
During my visit, I spent around 30–60 minutes exploring the store, browsing merchandise, trying the capsule toy machine, shopping, and visiting the rooftop.
That felt like enough time for me.
However, you might want to allow longer if you plan to:
- Shop extensively for merchandise
- Browse every Nintendo franchise section
- Take lots of photographs
- Visit during a busy period
- Wait for a particular product or capsule toy
The good news is that Nintendo KYOTO is conveniently located in central Kyoto.
You don’t necessarily need to set aside half a day to enjoy it.
Nintendo Kyoto vs. Nintendo Museum: Which Should You Visit?
If you’re a Nintendo fan visiting Kyoto, you may also be considering the Nintendo Museum.
I visited both during my Kyoto trip, and they offer quite different experiences.
| Feature | Nintendo KYOTO | Nintendo Museum |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Central Kyoto, near Kyoto-Kawaramachi | Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Main attraction | Shopping, merchandise, photo spots | Nintendo history, exhibitions, interactive experiences |
| Admission | Free | Paid |
| Advance ticket | Usually unnecessary | Advance ticket arrangements required |
| My visit duration | 30–60 minutes | About 2.5 hours |
| Best for | Quick stop and souvenirs | A more in-depth Nintendo experience |
Which One Would I Recommend?
If you have limited time in Kyoto, Nintendo KYOTO is much easier to fit into a sightseeing itinerary.
It’s centrally located and free to enter.
You can enjoy the store and take some fun photos without dedicating several hours to the visit.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in Nintendo’s history and want to experience interactive exhibits, the Nintendo Museum offers something different.
I particularly enjoyed seeing familiar gaming history brought to life during my museum visit.
If you have enough time and can arrange museum tickets, I recommend considering both.
Related article: My Nintendo Museum Review – Visiting in the Afternoon, Waiting Times, and Highlights
The linked article is currently in Japanese.
Is Nintendo Kyoto Worth Visiting?
In my opinion, yes — especially if you’re already exploring central Kyoto.
Here are the main reasons I enjoyed it:
1. It’s free to enter.
You can explore the store and see the photo spots without buying a ticket.
2. It’s conveniently located.
The store is close to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, making it relatively easy to include in a sightseeing trip.
3. The Mario photo spots are fun.
The giant Mario statue and rooftop goal pole make the visit feel more memorable than a typical shopping trip.
4. The merchandise is interesting even if you’re not a hardcore Nintendo fan.
I found myself becoming interested in games I hadn’t played much before.
5. You don’t necessarily need much time.
With minimal queues, I was able to enjoy my visit in under an hour.
Who Might Want to Skip It?
If you’re not particularly interested in Nintendo or video games, the store may not be a high priority compared with Kyoto’s many temples, shrines, gardens, and historical attractions.
It’s also important to remember that Nintendo KYOTO is primarily a store.
If you’re expecting a large interactive gaming museum or theme park, you may be disappointed.
In that case, the Nintendo Museum is probably a better fit, provided you can secure tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nintendo Kyoto free?
Yes. Admission to Nintendo KYOTO is free. You only pay for merchandise or other purchases.
Do I need to book Nintendo Kyoto in advance?
Usually not. However, numbered entry tickets may be distributed on busy days. Check official information before visiting.
Where is Nintendo Kyoto located?
The store is on the seventh floor of Kyoto Takashimaya Shopping Center’s T8 building, near Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station.
Is there a Mario statue at Nintendo Kyoto?
Yes! There’s a giant Mario statue emerging from a pipe on the first floor, plus another Mario photo spot featuring a goal pole on the rooftop.
Can I buy Kyoto-exclusive Nintendo merchandise?
Nintendo KYOTO has offered Kyoto-themed and store-exclusive products, but the current selection and availability can vary. Not everything sold at the store is exclusive to Kyoto.
How long should I spend at Nintendo Kyoto?
My visit took approximately 30–60 minutes. Allow at least an hour if you’d like to browse the shop and see the photo spots, and more time during busy periods.
Can I visit Nintendo Kyoto and Nintendo Museum on the same day?
It’s possible to include both in a longer Kyoto itinerary, but they are in different parts of Kyoto Prefecture.
Nintendo KYOTO is in the city center, while the Nintendo Museum is in Uji.
Make sure you plan your transportation and secure a museum ticket in advance.
Final Thoughts: A Fun Stop for Nintendo Fans Visiting Kyoto
Nintendo KYOTO was one of the most enjoyable little stops on my Kyoto trip.
From the giant Mario statue near the entrance to the colorful merchandise displays and rooftop goal pole, there were plenty of moments that made me smile.
My favorite souvenir was the Nintendo 64 analog stick capsule toy, which brought back memories of playing Nintendo games.
I also appreciated how easy it was to visit.
On a weekday afternoon, I didn’t have to wait to enter, and I could enjoy the store in about an hour.
But what stayed with me most was how the store made me interested in games I hadn’t really explored before.
Even if you’ve only played a few Nintendo titles, there’s something exciting about seeing all those characters and worlds together.
If you’re a Nintendo fan planning a trip to Kyoto, Nintendo KYOTO is definitely worth considering — especially if you’re already visiting the Kawaramachi area.
For the latest opening hours, admission procedures, and merchandise information, check the official Nintendo store website before your trip.
Explore More of Kyoto After Visiting Nintendo KYOTO
Nintendo KYOTO is located in the lively Kawaramachi area, making it easy to combine your visit with sightseeing in nearby Gion.
If you’d like to experience another side of Kyoto, consider renting a traditional Japanese kimono and exploring the historic streets.
[Explore Kimono Rental Experiences in Kyoto on Klook]
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